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The DB2/4 Mark III, was the ultimate evolution of Aston Martin’s DB2, itself a significant advancement over the 2-liter sports (also referred to as the DB1). In place of the four cylinder pushrod motor of the 2-liter sports, the DB2 utilized a sophisticated 2.6 liter twin cam inline-6 designed by none other than W.O. Bentley. Bentley originally designed the powerplant for Lagonda, and it was specifically to acquire this engine that David Brown purchased Lagonda, creating a pairing that is now one of motoring’s legendary names: Aston Martin Lagonda. The DB2 was succeeded by the 2.9 liter DB2/4 Mark I in 1953, and then the Mark II version in 1955, which marked the introduction of the optional high-compression 165hp engine, compared to the 140hp of the standard engine. The Mark III version was introduced in 1957 and featured further mechanical and cosmetic refinements most notably a reshaped front grille to mimic the shape of the successful DB3S race car.

This particular car is an outstanding long time California car that has covered 44,000 miles from new and remained under the care of its original owner until 2009. It is highly original and is a lovely black plate time capsule car, having spent its entire life in Southern California. Completed on the first of March, 1958, this car was purchased new by Mr. Warren Painter of Sun Valley, California at the Aston Martin dealer in Pasadena, and he kept the car until his death. The car was recently serviced by highly regarded award-winning Aston Martin specialist Kevin Kay, who noted that this car is extraordinarily correct, describing it as “the template with which any DB2-series Aston should be compared for an authentic restoration.”

Cosmetically, the car is beautifully preserved and extremely solid. The paintwork is largely original, having been repaired only as necessary over the years, and the body is solid, straight, and displays excellent gaps and panel fit. The fit of the clamshell bonnet is especially impressive, often a weak point on these cars because the size of the body panel makes proper alignment difficult if the panel has ever been removed. The paintwork is generally excellent, with a few small blemishes around the car. The chrome is very nice throughout, with light pitting only. The lights and glass are excellent throughout, and the car sits on correct bias ply tires.

The interior is equally well-preserved. The seats were reupholstered at some point in the car’s life, but the interior appears to be otherwise original and truly exceptional considering this. The carpets, dashboard, instruments, controls, and headliner are all extremely nice. The door panels and other leather are also excellent, save for some cracking on the passenger’s door pull. The late style dashboard which concentrates the instruments in front of the driver is one of the defining features of the Mark III, and the Smiths instruments are highly evocative. The rear seats fold down flat, providing a large, flat loadspace, making this car ideal for touring and surprisingly practical

The engine compartment of this car is another area in which it distinguishes itself as an exceptional undisturbed original car. The various accessories are all present, including jack, knock-off hammer, grease gun, and even the Girling tin for the brake bleeder valve hose, which is still in place inside the tin. The tool box with tools is also in place. The engine itself is clean and detailed but not over-restored, and the car retains the correct type battery as well.

The car is equally impressive on the road. It runs and drives superbly, having been recently and sympathetically serviced by one of the best Aston Martin specialists in the United States. It has a wonderful coherent feel that exemplifies low-mileage cars that have never been disassembled. The engine is properly tuned, runs extremely well once warmed up, and sounds fantastic. The gearbox shifts as it should, the brakes stop the car evenly, and the chassis is composed.

This is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire an outstanding, original, low-mileage, California car with irreplaceable patina. The most desirable variant of the DB2, this car could not have better ownership history, nor could it be better preserved. Extraordinarily complete and in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition, this car needs nothing but an appreciative new owner who will act as the steward of this fantastic original Aston.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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